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This edition has an array of exciting topics to keep you informed and engaged.
- Student's food scanner wins congressional accolades
- Accepting applications for special program schools
- Reading, retelling and family fun at Walter Bickett Elementary
- Celebrating Love the Bus Month
That's only a few of our highlights; enjoy the read and stay connected to the exciting happenings in our district.
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App-solutely genius: Student's food scanner wins congressional accolades | |
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For many, the grocery store can feel like a battleground, filled with confusing labels and overwhelming choices. However, for Arjun Cattamanchi, a junior at Marvin Ridge High School, it presented a personal challenge.
"I'm not officially diagnosed with it, but I've had acid reflux since I was born," he shared. "That's why I must eat the right foods."
While his mom, the family's primary cook, was away, Arjun's father urged him to take charge of his dietary health. So, like any tech-savvy student might do, he developed an app. "NutriScan," a food scanner with an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) component, recently earned Arjun top honors in the 2024 Congressional App Challenge.
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Accepting applications for
special program schools
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The special program schools lottery application period starts today and will close on March 9.
UCPS offers a wide range of academic programs to students, including special programs. These provide students with the opportunity to explore a variety of disciplines and learn in different settings. Some of the offerings include health sciences, agrotechnology, performing arts, pre-engineering, information systems, sustainable energy and classes on a college campus with an opportunity to earn an associate’s degree.
The following schools are included in this lottery. All applications must be submitted through Scribbles, the district’s online application portal. Parents will be notified on March 26 and April 2 is the deadline to claim seats.
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Cuthbertson High students reimagine "Beauty and the Beast" | |
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A ‘tale as old as time’ took center stage at Cuthbertson High School, but this time with a delightful new twist. The theater students recently captivated audiences with their version of "Beauty and the Beast." The students performed and ran the whole show. With guidance from their theatre teacher, Victoria Kauffman, they took on roles like music director (choosing the tunes), director (deciding how everyone moved and acted) and choreographer (creating the dances).
"The students became the true sets, keeping the heart of the fairytale while adding their own steampunk-modern twist. They took full ownership of their characters, researching French baroque style to craft their backstories. The costumes, designed and sewn entirely by the students, received rave reviews."
Their creativity went beyond costumes and sets, as teamwork and collaboration brought the entire production to life.
"Working together to direct made the whole cast more involved," said Eammon Dunn, the student director and narrator. "Everyone shared ideas and helped out in all sorts of ways."
Their incredible work was also celebrated at the North Carolina Theatre Conference Festival in November. They received an award for Excellence in Student Direction, Excellence in Visual and Excellence in Acting for the Cogsworth character played by Shayna Dilberian. The group also won a spirit award and was rated overall excellent.
"Being both the music director and Belle was a lot of work," shared Lucy Hubatka. "But everyone helped each other out, and it was so much fun to collaborate and bring our ideas to life!"
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Reading, retelling and family fun
at Walter Bickett Elementary
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Walter Bickett Elementary recently hosted a family literacy workshop where parents and kids teamed up for a fun, hands-on reading adventure. Led by UCPS family engagement specialist Linda O'Connor and parent engagement liaison Christi Hulsey, the event introduced families to a reading strategy to help children understand and remember what they read. Parents also received reading comprehension bookmarks packed with easy prompts to spark engaging storytime conversations.
The excitement didn’t stop there! Families explored the EmpowerEd Family Portal, a treasure trove of free digital reading resources. The workshop concluded with family reading time, giving parents and children a chance to practice their new reading strategies, followed by a visit to the UCPS Mobile Book Bus.
With smiles all around and new reading tools in hand, families left inspired to make storytime more fun and meaningful at home!
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As part of Black History Month, WBTV highlighted Union County Public Schools’ own Barbara Selby, the lead custodian at Rea View Elementary for 18 years. With a passion for keeping schools safe and clean, Selby has dedicated 20 years to the district, inspired by her mother’s work ethic. Known affectionately as “Miss Barbara” by students, she takes pride in her role and the impact she has on the school community. As she prepares for retirement in July, we celebrate her invaluable contributions and the lasting impression she leaves on Rea View Elementary. | |
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February is Love the Bus Month, a special time to show appreciation for the dedicated school bus drivers and transportation staff who play a crucial role in getting our children to and from school. These hardworking individuals are often the first and last school staff members our students interact with each day, and their efforts help create a positive start and end to the school day.
As a community, let's take a moment to thank them for all they do. Consider writing a heartfelt thank-you note, leaving a small treat, or simply expressing your gratitude in person or through an email. You could also create a thank-you card with your child or even post a public shoutout on social media. Regardless of your choice, any gesture, big or small, can make a significant difference to those who ensure our children travel safely.
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Partnering with U for student success | |
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Celebrate, learn and care
This month is about growing together as a community while focusing on health and history.
We're diving into topics that educate and inspire:
American Heart Month—Let’s keep our hearts healthy with fun activities and nutritious choices.
Black History Month—Join us in celebrating Black leaders' rich history, culture and achievements.
Stay engaged with us as we share resources, tips, and activities!
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Celebrating youth service | |
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The Union County Board of Education has honored Jazlyn Paola Trabanino Rodriguez,
a Cuthbertson High School senior with the John H. Crowder Service Award for February.
Jazlyn Paola Trabanino Rodriguez excels in Advanced Placement courses, especially in her areas of interest, history and English. With a rigorous course load and outstanding GPA, Jazlyn ranks among the top in her class. Her curiosity and dedication set a standard for her peers. This year, as a Peer Tutor in science, she guided students while modeling perseverance and hard work.
Jazlyn is an active member of the Spanish Honor Society, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Future Farmers of America and National Art Honor Society. As a leader, Jazlyn has served as an Interact club council representative, a school ambassador and student body vice president. In these roles, she has collaborated and served with integrity, achieving success while earning the respect and admiration of students and staff.
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Feb. 21 - Wolfe School - Optional Teacher Workday (No school for students)
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March 4 - Traditional - Required District Professional Development (No school for students)
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March 11- Board of Education Meeting, 7 p.m.
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March 13-14 - Early College - Optional Teacher Workday (No school for students)
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March 17 - Wolfe School- Optional Teacher Workday (No school for students)
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March 18-21- Wolfe School Spring Intercession (No school for students)
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March 21 - Traditional - Optional Teacher Workday (No school for students)
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